Liverpool Star Reveals Relegation Fears

In the latest serialization of his new book, Pepe Reina has revealed he feared Liverpool would be relegated during the tenure of Rafa Benitez.

Despite coming agonizingly close to winning the title a year before, the Reds finished seventh during Benitez's final season at the helm.

This poor showing led to the Spaniard being sacked as Liverpool boss after six years with the club, and he was replaced at Anfield by Roy Hodgson.

And, although he did not like to admit it, Reina realized that Benitez's time on Merseyside had run its course.

"When Rafa left Liverpool at the end of the 2009/10 season, I knew that it was the right time for him to go," said Reina, to the Daily Mirror.

"It hurts me to say that, but the wheels had come off by then and there was no guarantee that he was going to be able to put them back on."

The Spanish shot-stopper first realized Liverpool was in for a testing season during a pre-season outing against Barcelona outfit Espanyol.

And, after being convincingly beaten by the La Liga side, Reina believed that, if this form was not addressed, relegation would become a distance possibility.

"I first began to realize we were in trouble when we played against Espanyol in a pre-season friendly at the start of August 2009,” he added.

"They beat us 3-0 and could have scored more. When I came off the pitch there was a part of me that thought: 'If we carry on like this, we are going to get relegated.'"

Gerrard Return Lifts Aurelio

Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio believes it is a 'massive help' that captain Steven Gerrard has returned to fitness ahead of the meeting with Manchester United.

The midfielder is due to make his first start for over seven months as the two rivals meet at Anfield in the Saturday lunchtime fixture.

Gerrard has come on as a substitute in the recent wins over Wolves and Everton following a groin operation that he underwent in April.

The England star was due to return to the Reds squad for their pre-season catalogue, but a setback in his recovery delayed his comeback.

The last time the 31-year-old started a game for Liverpool was on 6th March, when Liverpool beat Manchester United 3-1 at Anfield.

But Sir Alex Ferguson's team are still unbeaten this term and are already six points above their Merseyside opponents.

Aurelio told LFC Weekly: "We are all delighted that Stevie is back. He is the captain and a great player, and it is a massive help to the team to have him playing again.

"Gerrard's availability is an added ingredient into what should be an exciting but difficult game for both teams.

"After winning the derby we will go into it with a lot of confidence.

"It is always exciting (to play Manchester United). It's a pity that it comes just after an international break because it means you don't have as much time to prepare because players are away with their countries but that is the same for both clubs.

"It seems like they have a new team with new players coming in during the summer.

"Like us, they all seem to have settled in well. They are in good form so it will be difficult but we are confident."

Reina Recalls Blazing Carragher Row

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has revealed the details of an explosive row he had with Anfield stalwart Jamie Carragher, which spilled over into the dressing room after beginning on the pitch.

Reina and Carragher, both mainstays of the Reds rearguard since the Spanish shot-stopper joined the club in 2005, clashed in an unnamed game because of a disagreement about passing options.

"The veins in our necks were bulging, our faces were red with anger and neither of us were going to back down," Reina said in his autobiography Pepe, which is being serialized in the Daily Mirror.

"The row between me and Jamie Carragher started during the game - I can't even remember who we were playing against - carried on in the dressing room and didn't come to an end until we sent each other text messages apologizing.

"He went crazy at me, screaming at me, and I was screaming back at him. We were like that for fully five minutes shouting at one another and getting our point across. When we got back into the dressing room the row started again and it was even rougher than it had been on the pitch.

"The other players were just totally silent, watching us giving each other hell. It wasn't even over anything major. It was just a difference of opinion over whether I should knock the ball long or [if] he should give me an angle for a short pass.

"I ended up kicking the ball out wide to where I thought Carra should be, but he wasn't there and it went out of play. He shouted at me: 'You really think you're Franz Beckenbauer and you're always trying to play short passes when you should just empty it.'

"I responded: 'If I know one thing it's that you definitely aren't Beckenbauer, but just give me a bit of support when I've got the ball so we can try and play instead of just kicking it down the pitch.'"

Meanwhile, Reina has lifted the lid on an occasion when he was at loggerheads with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez over alcohol consumption. "The biggest argument I had with Rafa was about a beer," Reina said. "We had lost 2-1 to Besiktas and not played too well. I decided to have a beer. I don't see a problem with that because for me it is healthier to do that than it is to have a glass of Coca-Cola or a drink like that.

"Suddenly, the bartender turned up and said: 'The club doctor, medical staff and manager have made it clear to me they do not want you to have a beer.' I still don't know why this was the case but whatever the reason, I was fuming. I grabbed my bags and stormed off to my room without even having dinner. That is how upset I was.

"For me, Rafa was in the wrong. It suggests the manager does not trust you to look after yourself in the right way. He saw it differently and, if he has a small weakness as a manager, it is that he did not have a massive career as a player before he moved into management."

Blackpool FC Ponder Loan Move For Liverpool FC Starlet

Blackpool is lining up a loan move for Liverpool starlet Danny Wilson, according to the Blackpool Gazette.

The 19-year-old Scotland international made eight appearances for the Reds last season and was high on Ian Holloway’s wish list in the summer, but a deal couldn’t be struck.

The left-sided central defender had recently been set to join Nottingham Forest until the sacking of Steve McClaren, which has paved the way for a move to Bloomfield Road alongside Liverpool team-mate Jonjo Shelvey.

Liverpool Set To Make £13m Bid For South American Wing Wizard

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is on red alert after the latest comments coming out from Gaston Ramirez's representatives.

According to reports on Insidefutbol.com, Liverpool have been monitoring Uruguayan international winger Ramirez for sometime now and it is believed the Anfield club are plotting a move when the January transfer window opens.

La Liga side Sevilla is also interested in the 20-year-old, but it is felt Liverpool are leading the chase for Ramirez.

The Uruguayan is currently with Serie A side Bologna and it is believed they will be willing to part with their prized asset if their £13million valuation is met.

Speaking about Ramirez, his agent Vincenzo D'Ippolito said: "The directors of his team know that if not in January, he will leave next summer because there are many clubs interested."

Kenny Awaits Deal For Marco Bueno

Liverpool will wait until Mexican teenage striker Marco Bueno turns 18 next year before stepping up their bid to sign him.

The Reds entered the race to sign one of the stars of this summer's World Under-17 championships in July and brought the Pachuca player over for a ten-day trial in August.

But Bueno returned without penning a contract and made his first-team debut for the Mexican top flight club over the weekend.

However, newspaper reports in central America claim Liverpool plan to sign Bueno when he comes of age on March 31 next year.

Andres Fassi, sports vice president of Pachuca, said: "We received a letter last week from Liverpool, who wants the player to go there when he turns 18.

"Maybe Liverpool will then make an offer, but that would not be until he is 18 years old, when FIFA's laws allow."

Liverpool & Manchester City Looking At US Starlet

Liverpool and Manchester City have joined the race to sign 21-year-old American international Brek Shea.

Scouts from both teams are believed to have watched his performance in the 1-0 victory against Honduras over the weekend where Shea set up the game's only goal.

The promising youngster from FC Dallas can play in midfield or up front and is highly regarded by USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann.

"There are some exciting youngsters coming through the ranks but Shea is definitely the one to watch. He is fast, physical, creative and with an incredible work rate," Klinsmann said.

But City and Liverpool face stiff competition to sign the attacker, with Chelsea and German outfit Schalke 04 also interested.

Henderson Eyes Starting Spot

Jordan Henderson has declared himself satisfied with the start to his Liverpool career but now hopes to kick on and start against Manchester United on Saturday.

The England Under-21 international made the move to Anfield over the summer from Sunderland and is happy with the way he has adapted to his new surroundings.

However, competition for places under Kenny Dalglish is fierce and Henderson started on the bench as the Reds claimed victory over Everton before the international break.

The midfielder recognizes that he must therefore keep striving for improvement as he looks to establish himself as a regular in the side.

"I think I have settled in okay. I am enjoying my time there and the lads have been brilliant, as well as the fans," he told Sky Sports News ahead of captaining England Under-21s against Norway on Monday night.

"I now need to kick on and do even better."

Steven Gerrard's return to fitness has given Dalglish an extra option in midfield but Henderson does not necessarily believe that will keep him out of the side.

"Hopefully not. I am not really worried about that, I think it's part and parcel of football," he said.

"Obviously Stevie is a massive player and is going to play in most games, but I just need to concentrate on what I need to do and make sure I work hard every day in training.

"Given the opportunity, I need to take it and make sure I stay in the team."

Henderson hopes to be selected for the visit of Manchester United to Anfield on Saturday, after admitting it was frustrating to miss out on the Merseyside derby.

"Obviously the derby is a massive game and everybody wants to play in it, so I was a little bit disappointed not to start, but the team did brilliantly and got a great result and I was fortunate to come on as well," he said.

"There were still a lot of positives to come out of the game and hopefully I can start the next one."

Craig Bellamy Race Row Probed

Wales and Liverpool star Craig Bellamy is at the centre of an investigation after he was called a “sheep-sh***er” by fans.

Bellamy was allegedly the victim of “inhuman, degrading and vile” taunts by rival fans during Liverpool’s Carling Cup match at Brighton last month.

A complaint was lodged with the group ‘Let’s Kick Racism Out’.

An FA spokesman said that they are “aware of this complaint”, as are Brighton.

Bellamy’s Welsh team-mate, black defender Ashley Williams, vowed abusive racist chants will not affect him in Bulgaria tomorrow.

The Bulgarian FA is the subject of a UEFA inquiry after racist chants were allegedly aimed at Ashley Young during England’s qualifier last month.

Wales’ European Championship clash is the first game in the Levski Stadium since that night.

Williams said: “You get a lot of stick at away grounds anyway, so you’ve got to be big enough to deal with it.”

Duo Feature In England Win

Adam Morgan and Conor Coady both featured as England U19s rounded off their participation in the Limoges tournament with a 3-1 win over Ukraine on Sunday afternoon.

Morgan, who struck the winner in Friday's 1-0 triumph over Portugal, was named in the starting XI by Noel Blake but did not get on the scoresheet during a 57 minute run out.

Coady came off the bench to play the final 18 minutes of the contest while Jack Robinson was an unused substitute.

Reds Announce New Partnership

Liverpool FC continues to grow its Partner portfolio with the announcement of a new three-year partnership with the dynamic mid-market hotel chain Park Inn by Radisson.

The partnership will see the Club working with Park Inn by Radisson to help raise their profile by engaging LFC's supporters up and down the country.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC Managing Director, said: "By teaming up with successful companies we can support mutual goals more effectively and Park Inn by Radisson is a forward thinking, progressive business that shares our values.

"We are excited about working with a brand that has such an innovative and fresh approach to business and the Club will provide Park Inn by Radisson with significant brand visibility and access to our supporter base across the UK."

Eric De Neef, Senior Vice President, Park Inn by Radisson, added: "Our 23 Park Inn by Radisson hotels across the country are perfect for away fans travelling to matches; for business, or for weekend breaks. All of them offer a hassle-free stay in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere - we look forward to welcoming Liverpool FC's supporter base."

Hillsborough Debate Scheduled For Next Monday In House of Commons

The House of Commons will hold its first full-scale debate on the Hillsborough tragedy next Monday.

It will also be the first in response to an e-petition after almost 140,000 people – 40,000 more than the qualifying number – backed calls for a parliamentary discussion on the grounds of clear public interest.

Walton MP Steve Rotheram then convinced the cross-party business committee the terms of the e-petition’s motion must be debated and, barring a last-minute government climbdown, voted upon.

The motion calls for all government documents pertaining to the disaster, including cabinet minutes and No 10 discussion papers, to be released in an “unredacted, unedited and uncensored form” to the Hillsborough families and the independent panel currently scrutinizing unseen documents relating to the tragedy.

The government, which appealed in the high court against full disclosure, insists it has every intention of releasing all papers to the panel.

But ministers have kept a get-out clause which could allow them to invoke precedence curbs on cabinet minutes from the time when Margaret Thatcher was prime minister.

Mr. Rotheram believes his debate will put irresistible pressure on ministers.

He said: “It has taken 22 years, which is far too long, but at long last momentum is on our side.

“We need to ensure ministers fulfil their obligations because the families have been let down so many times previously.”

Mr. Rotheram won the debate largely because 96 fellow MPs – the number was purely coincidental – backed his move.

They were from nine parties – the three mainstream ones and others from Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland parties – and included every Merseyside MP, former ministers, and those spanning both the left and right wing.

The debate will start at 7pm next Monday and will last three hours.

Unless the minister responding – most likely home secretary Theresa May – agrees to the motion, there will then be a Commons vote.

That is expected to be overwhelmingly behind the Hillsborough families because few MPs will want to be seen voting against.

Such a vote would mean, under parliamentary rules, the files could be released in full within a day or two – unless ministers try to appeal again.

Carragher Prepares To Celebrate Landmark Against Man United

Jamie Carragher has seen it all before as he prepares to celebrate his 677th Liverpool appearance – against the old enemy Manchester United on Saturday.

And despite past bitter clashes Carragher doesn’t see the eagerly anticipated game as the Kop calendar’s most explosive.

That’s despite flashpoints such as his tackle on Nani last season which sparked some ugly scenes.

The fixture Carragher always looks for first are the Merseyside derbies, so the Anfield encounter with United will always take second billing to those.

And that’s not an opening shot in the usual war of words between the two old adversaries.

Carragher, 33, genuinely believes playing United is nothing like the Mersey mayhem which was in full flow eight days ago with Jack Rodwell’s red card.

He said: “When I was a kid I was a Blue and it doesn’t matter what side you are the derby is the big one, always.

"Some will say the United game is but as a local lad, Everton is the biggest game of the season.

“And facing them on their own pitch with a packed crowd behind them – all the ingredients are there. Everything is against you and that makes it so special when you win.”

Last season United beat Liverpool 3-1 and 1-0 in the FA Cup at Old Trafford. Liverpool saved face with a 3-1 at Anfield and Carragher fancies the same result again.

He said: “It’s a different team now and the mood around here has been transformed.”

Liverpool Target Unhappy Celtic Star

Liverpool have reportedly expressed an interest in Celtic youngster Ki Sung-Yeung who is said to be keen to leave Parkhead after a poor start to the campaign by the SPL side. The 23 year old was the subject of an £8m offer from Rubin Kazan but that was rejected by the Scottish side but Neil Lennon may struggle to prevent his talented attack minded midfielder from having his head turned by interest from Anfield.

Ki was one of the most consistent performers for Celtic last term and his creative displays made him an instant hero at the Glasgow club but having seen his side fall a massive ten points behind leaders Rangers the South Korean international is said to be pushing for a move away from Scotland.

Liverpool’s main sponsors Standard Chartered has publicly stated that the purchase of a player from Eastern Asia would help build the club’s presence in the region and the club’s director of football Damien Comolli has scouted the former FC Seoul star and the Merseyside outfit are ready to make an offer in January.

Though Liverpool have brought in a number of midfielders over the summer they did also lose Raul Meireles to Chelsea and are likely to allow Alberto Aquilani to complete a permanent move to Italy in due course. Ki Sung-Yeung is an adaptable player who can in a number of roles across the midfield and has a great deal of potential to further improve having taken to life in the SPL remarkably well.

Last term Ki racked up 34 games in all competitions and weighed in with a fair few assists and some long range crackers of his own and whilst clearly a move into the Premier League would represent a big jump in quality there are many in the game who feel the set piece specialist is more than able to make the grade at the highest level.

Liverpool Were Interested In Everton New Boy George Green

Everton new boy George Green had a trial with Liverpool before deciding to move to Goodison Park, it has been confirmed.

The 15-year-old had also been on the respective radars of Arsenal, Rangers, Tottenham and Southampton, while has been likened to a young Wayne Rooney.

Liverpool, though, ran the rule over Green last year, but the midfielder was told he did not have the physique they were looking for.

However, when the Reds registered their interest in Green once more, the teenager said he would rather remain with Bradford than move to Anfield.

"He said he'd rather stay at Bradford than go to Liverpool," Bantams academy chief Archie Christie told the Liverpool Echo.

"He had been last year and was just told he wasn’t big enough, he wasn’t strong enough etc."

Christie also claimed Braford had agreed to sell Green to Tottenham but, after the youngster went to last weekend's Merseyside derby, he opted to join the Toffees.

"Davie Moyes phoned me and we had already agreed an offer for Spurs, but he asked to at least have the chance to speak to him," added Christie.

"So we took him to the Merseyside derby on Saturday. They told him this is the People's Club and that you’re either red or blue in Merseyside, and he said 'I’m a Blue'."

Manchester City Rival Liverpool For Bologna Midfielder

According to reports Manchester City are interested in Uruguayan winger Gaston Ramirez.

Ramirez has stated publicly he is happy at his current club, Bologna, although he did talk about moving to a ‘bigger level’ in the summer.

City are believed to have pursued the midfielder with a €10 million offer but the player remained in Italy.

However, it is understood his club is likely to sell him as early as the January transfer window.

His agent, Vincenzo D'Ippolito, has admitted the player will have left the club by next summer.

D'Ippolito has been pushing for a new contract for the youngster, but Bologna is in no financial position to match what rivals have tabled.

"We must talk with the leaders of Bologna. Between January and June, the guy will leave and there's not much Bologna can do, the club already knows this," confessed D'Ippolito.

"When a boy of 20 years of age, who has done very well in Bologna, has important offers, he aims to go to clubs that will compete at the top of the table. He's liked by many teams in Italy, the first five to six in the league would take him for sure."

City’s Premier League rivals Liverpool are also expected to join the chase for the Uruguayan.

Downing Delighted With Reds Welcome

Stewart Downing is delighted with the manner in which the Liverpool squad has knitted together, and believes the camaraderie in the Reds' dressing room has been a key factor behind the club's encouraging start to the new campaign.

Kenny Dalglish made no less than seven summer signings, all of which have settled quickly into life at Anfield, wasting little time in making an impact on the Barclays Premier League, with a return of 13 points from their opening seven games.

"It's a big part of football," Downing told LFC Weekly. "If teammates aren't getting on, then you don't tend to do well. If you all do get on, then that can only help you when you step on the field.

"We're still a relatively new group. Some of the lads like Stevie and Carra have been here since day one. A few others like Pepe and Dirk have been here a couple of years, then there's quite a few of us who have only arrived recently. There's a good mix.

"There has been a bit of dressing room banter. And as the weeks go by and we all get to know each other better, there is more and more. The boss is into it big and the players have been out for a few meals together."

Downing feels his seamless transition into the Reds side is mainly down to the warm welcome he has received from the players, coaches, and other Liverpool staff.

"I knew a few of the lads already from the England setup so I was lucky in that sense," he added. "Some of the other lads didn't know too many people, such as Jordan [Henderson].

"It was easy to feel at home here with the lads. It's a good club with good people. There is a good group of players and they've all helped me.

"But I think gradually we're all getting to know each other and develop a team spirit. It's good and should continue to get better."

Coates Tipped For The Top

John Scales is confident Sebastian Coates has all the attributes to be a big success in a Liverpool shirt, and is convinced he will go from strength to strength under the influence of the Reds' defensive stalwart Jamie Carragher.

The highly-rated Uruguayan international arrived at Anfield on the back of an impressive Copa America having been crowned the young player of the tournament - just one example of why the former Liverpool defender believes the 21-year-old can play a big part in the club's future.

"I've seen glimpses of him in action for Liverpool and during the Copa America," Scales told Liverpoolfc.tv. "He's obviously adapting to the pace of the Barclays Premier League and that will take him a little bit of time, but I like what I've seen.

"He won the young player of the tournament at the Copa America so you can see that he is a talent. I think having Suarez there, a fellow Uruguayan, will help him too.

"I think he's got a good mental attitude and the right personality to be a success at Liverpool. He can only benefit from having the likes of Jamie Carragher there; senior players who can help him to progress and improve as a player.

"They know all about the ethos of the club and I think he'll be excited about learning more and bedding in at Liverpool. I expect him to be central part of that team over the next few years."

Scales has been pleased with Liverpool's impressive start to the 2011-12 campaign, which he says is testament to the hard work put in by Reds boss Kenny Dalglish. The progression that the club has made in the short time under his stewardship is exciting, and bodes well for a bright future.

"The top four is definitely within reach," he continued. "When you look at the strength of some of the other teams I think that is a very realistic target.

"The new structure is coming along nicely. There is an excitement about the place and I've certainly got a buzz about watching Liverpool again.

"Steven Gerrard coming back in will give everyone a boost too and I'm sure those lads can't wait to play with the skipper when he is in top gear.

"I think the new boys have already shown that they have a big future ahead at Liverpool. Kenny has great strength in depth now."

Reina Reveals Gunners Snub

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina claims the club blocked him from making a £20million move to Arsenal in the summer of 2010.

Reina admits he was tempted to leave Merseyside after returning from Spain's victorious World Cup campaign last year to find the Reds in a downward spiral.

Manager Rafa Benitez had been sacked, while director Christian Purslow was desperately seeking new owners to replace Tom Hicks and George Gillett as the club struggled under a financial crisis.

The Spaniard's head was turned by the Gunners but says Liverpool rejected their £20m bid and stopped him from making a switch to North London because they feared his exit would dissuade potential buyers.

"I went from elation one minute to depression the next as the realization dawned that Liverpool were going nowhere fast," said Reina in his new autobiography.

"When I signed my contract in April 2010 I hoped that better times were just around the corner, a feeling that was fuelled by the promises of improvement from people at the club.

"It didn't take me long to feel that their promises were hollow. I felt betrayed. Our owners were at war with each other, the club's debts were spiralling out of control and a change in manager had failed to dispel the feeling that we were on the road to nowhere.

"Arsenal had made their determination to sign me clear by offering £20m, a phenomenal amount for a goalkeeper. Part of me felt that I was well within my rights to consider my future even if I did so with a heavy heart.

"When Liverpool received the bid, they rejected it. This was not because I had been told that I was too good a keeper to leave. The reason I was given was quite different - and it left me feeling down. I was told that my continued presence was crucial to the sale of the club. I was simply a bargaining chip in the sales process.

"I still don't know what to think of Purslow because I understand he was there to look for new owners and to try to sell the club but ultimately he was making big football decisions that he was not qualified to make."

Reina made no secret of the fact he wanted Hicks and Gillett out ahead of Fenway Sports Group's takeover of the club last October.

The 29-year-old admits he would have liked fans favourites Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher to have joined him in getting behind the supporters' protests to oust the American owners.

"I was probably one of the loudest objectors because I believed it was important the supporters knew I was with them," he said.

"All I wanted the owners to do was sell up to people who could take the club forward, so I said so.

"The way I saw it, Stevie and Carra are the two principle members of our squad, the ones who the people love and if they had said something maybe it would have put Hicks and Gillett under real pressure."

"But in their view, it was more important to try to keep things as normal as possible."

Baby Joy For Skrtel

Liverpool Football Club would like to offer their congratulations to Martin Skrtel and his girlfriend following the birth of their baby boy. Barbora gave birth to Matteo in Liverpool on Friday night.

Speaking to his official website, Skrtel said: "I would like to announce great news! My lovely girlfriend Barbora gave birth to our first child!

"This great news came on Friday before our (Slovakia's) match against Russia. I would like to say that everything went okay and my girlfriend and Matteo are both doing well!

"I feel a little bit sorry for the fact that I couldn't be with them because of our match but on the other hand I am very proud and very happy!

"I would like to thank everyone for their support, especially people from the hospital in Liverpool. My special thanks go to Mrs Jane Ashton who works for Liverpool FC.

"She was the one who was helping Barbora with everything. She also gave me all the information I needed so I was always in touch with them."

Everybody at LFC would like to wish Martin, mother and baby all the best at this joyous time.